Community News - July 2025
Community News from Dauntsey Academy Primary School
As the end of the school year rapidly approaches, we have so much news to share!
Ofsted inspection
I am incredibly pleased and proud to announce that we achieved a Good in our recent Ofsted inspection, and this is down to the hard work of the whole school community – staff, governors, parents, families and, of course, our amazing children.
We have received some wonderful feedback from the inspection – some of the highlights being:
- Pupils thrive at this caring and inclusive school.
- Pupils learn the importance of kindness and respect and the school is a harmonious place.
- Pupils develop warm and supportive relationships with school staff. They feel safe and are confident that staff will listen if they have any concerns.
- The school has high expectations for pupils’ academic and personal development.
- Children in the early years enjoy their learning and relish new challenges.
- Pupils enjoy learning in the school’s large woodlands.
- The school provides memorable experiences that motivate and inspire pupils.
As a headteacher, Ofsted is often seen as a milestone in a school’s journey that allows you to stop and fully review how your school is doing – just those comments alone remind me that we are doing a great job and will go into our new school year in September from a wonderfully solid foundation.
School pond
I am incredibly pleased that our school pond is finally filled and ready for action with a beautiful dipping platform for the children to access the water safely. The word ‘pond’ doesn’t seem to do it justice, maybe lake is more accurate! It holds a whopping 45,000 litres of water and we thank our lovely local famer Dale Allen for helping fill it. We look forward to the pond establishing itself over the coming years and cannot wait for the local wildlife to move in.
Sports Day
The children had a wonderful morning at Sports Day and gave it their all! We were privileged to be able to use the West Lavington recreational field and a big thank you to the West Lavington Village Hall and Parish Council for letting us use it. Sports Day is a highlight for many children and it was so lovely seeing them cheer their friends on.
Summer YES fun
July means it’s YES day – one of the children’s favourite days of the school year – when the children are allowed to throw out the rule book! The children are allowed to wear anything they like to school – some come in PJ’s, some in onesies, some in fancy dress. They can wear face paints, nail varnish and temporary tattoos. They can wear their hair down, wear huge bows or silly glasses. They really embrace the crazy – as always, wish the teachers and I luck, we may need it!
Come and see us
We are always happy to welcome prospective parents to come and have a look around our friendly, nurturing and vibrant school should you wish to consider us for your children in September, whether that be as a school starter or a school transfer. Please get in contact on 01380 813373 or enquiries@daps.wilts.sch.uk if you would like to visit us to find out more.
Have a wonderful Summer,
Philippa Winbolt, Headteacher.